Manual:Infantry Manual:Organization

Echelons
The SFMC is a hierarchical organization with various elements (echelons) of units arranged from Corps level (highest) to Squad level (lowest). Generally, each organization is replicated from three to five times to form the next larger element. As the echelon size increases additional support components are also added to the tactical organizations, which increase the overall size of the echelon.

Each echelon of a tactical unit is supervised by a non-commissioned officer (NCO) or commanded by a commissioned officer, depending upon the level. Non-commissioned officers lead squads and sections.

Warrant Officers (while technical specialists and usually not placed in Command positions) due to casualties or other needs, may be forced to serve as Unit Commanders or deputy Commanders. In this type of situation, a Warrant Officer will serve only as a temporary Commander and never for units above the MSG/Company level. Warrant Officers may also hold any post in the TO&E that would normally be held by a senior NCO that is of a technical nature (technicians, pilots, medics, specialists, etc…)

Commissioned officers command units from Platoon to Corps. Echelons above Company have component staffs of NCO’s and officers that directly assist the commanding officer in the operations of the units within the echelon.

Fire Team - 4 Marines
While not a true echelon, the Fire Team is an organization structure within the Infantry. A fire team is composed of 4 marines. Fire teams are usually all share the same MOS. That is, Light Weapon Fire Team all composed of MOS 3100 Light Weapons, Heavy Weapons or Reconnaissance.

Squad / Section - 8 / 16 Marines
The Squad, normally 8 marines, is the lowest recognized element in the SFMC organizational structure. The leader is a non-commissioned officer, usually a Sergeant (E-5) or Staff Sergeant (E-6).

In some units two Squads may compose a Section led by a Staff Sergeant (E-6).

Platoon - 16 Marines
The Platoon is composed of three Squads. The platoon is the basic combat unit capable of maneuvering in the conduct of combat operations. The Platoon is usually commanded by a commissioned officer (Lieutenant, O-1 / O-2) and assisted by a Platoon Sergeant who is a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7).

Company (MSG)/Troop/Battery/Squadron - About 80 Marines
The Company is a tactical sized unit that can perform a battlefield function on its own. It is capable of receiving and controlling additional combat, combat support or combat service support elements to enhance its mission capability. The Company has a small Headquarter element to assist the Commander. Typically, two platoons form a Company, with about 80 Marines and their assigned equipment. The Company is usually commanded by a Captain (O-3). A First Sergeant (E-8) is the commander’s principal non-commissioned assistant.

It is possible for Non-Special Operations Units to be tasked to carry out the job of a SpecOps force when no other forces are available. In order to be qualified to carry out these missions, the unit in question must be designated as Special Operations Capable (“SOC”). In order to achieve this designation, the unit must undergo rigorous training and education in the ways of the SFMC Special Operations forces and be ready at a moment’s notice. In order to achieve the SOC designator for your unit, the following condition must be met:
 * 1) The Unit OIC, DOIC and Senior Enlisted Marine must have passed SO-201 (SO-301 is preferred); and
 * 2) At least ½ of the marines assigned to your unit must have passed SO-100.

Once these requirements have been met, your unit will be permitted to add the SOC designator to your unit description. SOC Unit’s look like this when written out:

XXXth MSG, Infantry (SOC).

Battalion - 300-500 Marines
The Battalion is a unit that is both tactically and administratively self-sufficient. In war fighting, Battalions are capable of independent operations of limited duration and scope. The Battalion is typically composed of four to six companies / MSGs, and is usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel (O-5), with a Command Sergeant Major (E-9) as the primary non-commissioned officer assistant. The Commander has a Battalion Staff of officers and non-commissioned officers to oversee missions, training, administration and logistics. The size of a Battalion can vary between 300 –500 Marines. A Battalion Task-Force (TF) is a Battalion size unit with additional companies / MSGs attached in direct support to enhance mission capability.

Brigade - 1,000-2,500 Marines
A Brigade is a significantly large unit, consisting of 3-5 Battalions and between 1,000 and 2,500 soldiers that can be employed on independent or semi-independent operations. The Brigade is usually commanded by a Colonel (O-6) or Brigadier (0-7), although in some cases a Brigadier General may assume command. The Command Sergeant Major (E-9) is the principal noncommissioned officer assistant.

During combat operations each of these Brigades have a field artillery battalion, engineer battalion, aerospace battalion (Marine Air Wing) and combat service support battalion in direct support. Brigades also exist in combat service and combat service support branches (e.g., Engineer Brigade, Signal Brigade).

Division - 4,000-15,000 Marines
The Division performs major tactical operations and can conduct sustained battles and engagements. Four to six brigades normally compose a Division. Divisions are numbered and are categorized by the most prevalent Branch of Service within the Division. The Division is usually commanded by a Major General (0-9) or Lieutenant General (O-10) who is assisted by two principal Brigadier Generals (0-8) who perform duties as Assistant Division Commanders (ADC) - one for Maneuver (ADC-M) and one for Support (ADC-S). The Command Sergeant Major is the principal non-commissioned officer assistant. Divisions are typically composed of three (3) tactical maneuver (Infantry and/or Armor) Brigades and a Division base of combat support and combat service support elements.

STARFLEET Marine Corps - Seven Divisions (28,000-105,000 Marines)
The Corps is the ultimate level of command required to synchronize and sustain combat operations. It also provides a framework for multi-planet operations. The Corps provides command, control and logistical support of all seven operational divisions of the SFMC. The Corps is usually commanded by a General (O-11) or Lieutenant General (O-10), and is as-sisted by the Deputy Commandant (a General Officer, usually a Major General (O-9) or Lieuten-ant General (O-10)), Sergeant Major of the SFMC, the General Staff (Commanding Officers of Forces Command, Information Command, and the Training and Doctrine Command) and an ex-tensive Corps staff. The location of the Headquarters for each of these officers is as follows:
 * Commandant/Deputy Commandant of the SFMC:
 * STARFLEET Marine Barracks, 8th and I Streets, Washington, DC, USA, Earth, Sol System


 * Sergeant Major of the SFMC:
 * STARFLEET Marine Barracks, 8th and I Streets, Washington, DC, USA, Earth, Sol System


 * Commanding Officer, Forces Command:
 * STARFLEET Marine Corps Headquarters, Quantico, Virginia, USA, Earth, Sol System


 * Commanding Officer, Information Command:
 * STARFLEET Marine Corps Headquarters, Quantico, Virginia, USA, Earth, Sol System


 * Commanding Officer, Training and Doctrine Command:
 * Valley Forge Station, New Valley Forge System

Major Commands
There is one further, non-combat, organizational unit of the STARFLEET Marine Corps. The three (3) Major Commands (Forces Command, information Command, and Training and Doctrine Command) of the SFMC are charged with overseeing day to day operations of the SFMC and reporting directly to the Commandant and Deputy Commandant. Commands are usually commanded by a Brigadier (O-7), Brigadier General (O-8) or Major General (O-9), and is assisted by one or more Deputy Commanding Officer(s) (usually a Colonel (O-6), Brigadier (O-7) or Brigadier General (O-8)), Command Sergeant Major for the Command, and an exten-sive staff as needed.

Headquarters/Headquarters Support Staff above Unit Levels
The following staff members (below the Deputy Officer in Charge) are suggested as key staff members for all units of the SFMC, above the level of the Marine Strike Group). The only difference is that for the Divisional level organization; the prefix becomes “G” instead of “S” and the staff officers below each member of the Divi-sional staff officers report to the divisional staff officer in addition to their Battalion, Squadron, Brigade, Group, or Regimental Commander and his deputy. The positions are:
 * S-1: Administration
 * This officer, and his/her staff, is responsible for handling the day to day administrative needs of the unit (payroll, personnel transfers, promotions, awards, etc…) and reports directly to the unit OIC (and any Divisional level G-1, that may be in place). This post is usually held by a Captain (O-3) for the Battalion / Squadron Level, a Major (O-4) or a Lt. Colonel (O-5) at the Brigade / Group / Regiment level or a Colonel (O-6), Brigadier (O-7) or a Brigadier General (O-8) at the Divisional level. These officers are assisted by a Staff Sergeant (E-6) at the Battalion/Squadron level, a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) at the Brigade/Group / Squadron level or a First Sergeant (E-8) at the Divisional level as the shop NCO.
 * S-2: Intelligence
 * This officer, and his/her staff, is responsible for handling the day-to-day intelligence needs of the unit (maps, briefings, research, POW interrogations, etc..) and reports directly to the unit OIC (and any Divisional level G-2, that may be in place). This post is usually held by a Captain (O-3) for the Battalion / Squadron Level, a Major (O-4) or a Lt. Colonel (O-5) at the Brigade / Group / Regiment level or a Colo-nel (O-6), Brigadier (O-7) or a Brigadier General (O-8) at the Divisional level. These officers are assist-ed by a Staff Sergeant (E-6) at the Battalion/Squadron level, a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) at the Brigade / Group / Squadron level or a First Sergeant (E-8) at the Divisional level as the shop NCO.
 * S-3: Training and Operations
 * This officer, and his/her staff, is responsible for handling the day to day training and operational needs of the unit to make sure that the unit is mission ready at all times (ensuring that all Marines are quali-fied, arranging schools as needed, arranging exercises, etc..) and reports directly to the unit OIC (and any Divisional level G-3, that may be in place). This post is usually held by a Captain (O-3) for the Battalion / Squadron Level, a Major (O-4) or a Lt. Colonel (O-5) at the Brigade / Group / Regiment level or a Colonel (O-6), Brigadier (O-7) or a Brigadier General (O-8) at the Divisional level. These officers are assisted by a Staff Sergeant (E-6) at the Battalion / Squadron level, a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) at the Brigade / Group / Squadron level or a First Sergeant (E-8) at the Divisional level as the shop NCO.
 * S-4: Logistics
 * This officer, and his/her staff, is responsible for handling the day to day logistical needs of the unit (supplies, vehicles, movement orders, ammunition supplies, etc…) and reports directly to the unit OIC (and any Divisional level G-4, that may be in place). This post is usually held by a Captain (O-3) for the Battalion / Squadron Level, a Major (O-4) or a Lt. Colonel (O-5) at the Brigade / Group / Regiment level or a Colonel (O-6), Brigadier (O-7) or a Brigadier General (O-8) at the Divisional level. These of-ficers are assisted by a Staff Sergeant (E-6) at the Battalion / Squadron level, a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) at the Brigade / Group / Squadron level or a First Sergeant (E-8) at the Divisional level as the shop NCO.